Associate Lab Director - Disney Research

Job ID 10106620 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jan. 08, 2025

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Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

Disney Research Imagineering (DR) is at the cutting edge of combining storytelling with technological innovation to create magical experiences for audiences around the world. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, using deep research and development to enrich Disney's storytelling and entertainment.

The Associate Lab Director plays a pivotal role in coordinating the technical and functional management of all Glendale-based Disney Research project teams. This role requires a balance of technical understanding, research, and leadership skills to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and the successful integration of research outputs into Disney's broader objectives.

This role will report to the Lab Director of Disney Research.

What You Will Do

Lead and manage research projects that align with Disney's strategic goals, encouraging innovation in diverse areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and immersive display technologies.
Provide oversight and mentorship for all Glendale-based project teams working with the Lab Director to define strategy and execution plans.
Oversee the development and mentorship of a diverse, creative, and highly skilled team of researchers and technologists.
Develop a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence within the lab.
Communicate complex research outcomes to non-expert partners, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Stay abreast of new technologies and research methodologies that can drive innovation within Disney.
Functionally manage a team of Research Scientists and R&D Imagineers, providing development guidance and feedback to each team member.
Review, raise, and brief technical/research plans to the Lab Director, partnering with the Lab Director and other portfolio executives to streamline and align with near and long-term business objectives.
Work with Lab Director to define conference, publication, and university engagement strategy to identify and execute on long-term high-impact opportunities aligned with broader department objectives.
Advise Lab Director on the status of teams and projects –finding opportunities for improved efficiency, cohesion, and productivity and providing recommendations and partnering for course corrections and improvements.
Align project trajectories with department priorities, identifying expertise gaps and opportunities for growth.

Required Qualifications & Skills

A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, Interactive Media, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
Demonstrated experience in leading research projects and teams, with a track record of innovation and excellence.
Strong understanding of the technology landscape, both in academia and private sector, and its application in entertainment and storytelling.
Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
A passion for Disney's mission and a strong alignment with our values of creativity, storytelling, and innovation.
Extensive experience in project and team management, within a research and development setting.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and handle complex projects.
Ability to link technical teams, management, and external partners.
Strategic problem solver with the ability to find opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the entertainment industry, particularly in areas related to Disney's core business.
A strong network within the academic and professional research communities.
Published research in credible journals or conferences.
Experience in translating research into commercial products or experiences.

Education

A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, Interactive Media, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Additional Information

This role is located onsite in Glendale, CA.

Benefits and Perks:

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $184,300 to $247,100 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with WDI Research & Development, Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

WDI Research & Development, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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